Day-Shift Production Operator — Own Your Career

Nutreco; Highland (IL); Hybrid; USD 23,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Life insurance

401K Matching

Parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

Paid time off

Annual bonus

Job summary

Nutreco's Companion Animal facility in Highland, Illinois is hiring a Universal Production Worker to help produce feed and operate specialized equipment, ensuring safe, accurate logging and clean work areas. The role requires a high school diploma and manufacturing experience, with a valid driver's license and forklift experience as an asset; you’ll discharge, load, transport, and label materials.

You will contribute to safety and quality, document production data, and support continuous

Qualifications

• Background in a manufacturing environment with a high school diploma.
• Ability to operate equipment and log data accurately in systems.
• Commitment to safety, quality, and environmental regulations.
• Proactive in identifying process deviations and unsafe situations.
• Strong teamwork and personal accountability under the 'Own It' framework.

Responsibilities

• Discharge, load, transport, and label materials and operate machinery.
• Perform routine operational processes and small maintenance tasks.
• Log production data accurately and maintain a clean, safe work area.
• Flag process deviations and assist with safety and quality compliance.

Skills

Manufacturing experience

Operational proficiency

Maintenance and documentation

Safety compliance

Accountability and teamwork

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Forklift experience

Job description

Job Description

Join Our Purpose - Feeding the Future

Role: Universal Production Worker

Location: Companion Animal – Highland, Illinois – 80 Executive Drive

Compensation: $19.75/hour

Hours: M-F (6am-2pm)

Why join us

Get ready to Own your career as a Universal Production Worker at Trouw Nutrition, a Nutreco company. As global leaders in animal nutrition and aquafeed, our shared purpose of Feeding the Future is making a positive global impact for generations to come. Join us in this impactful role and help deliver the production of feed, in a sustainable way to a growing population. Own your direction, Own your development and Own your path.

What you’ll do

You will support and execute critical operational activities as a Skilled Operator to achieve production targets at our Companion Animal Highland location. You will be responsible for discharging, loading, transporting, and labeling materials while operating specialized machinery. Your daily tasks include performing routine operational processes, executing small maintenance tasks on production equipment, and accurately logging data into the appropriate systems. Beyond technical operations, you will signal any process deviations and ensure your work area remains clean and safe in strict compliance with quality, safety, and environmental guidelines. You will help drive operational excellence while contributing to our broader purpose of "Feeding the Future".

Who we’re looking for

We are looking for a dedicated team player with a high school diploma and previous manufacturing experience who is ready to "Own It" by taking personal accountability for operational excellence. The ideal candidate demonstrates a strong sense of urgency and the ability to prioritize tasks while executing (semi) routine work, such as operating machinery, performing small maintenance tasks, and accurately logging production data. Beyond technical skills like a valid driver’s license and the proficiency to handle specialized tools, we seek someone who translates our purpose into action by maintaining high standards for safety and quality. You should be a proactive problem-solver who signals process deviations and promotes awareness of unsafe situations, ensuring that your individual contributions turn our collective ambition into progress.

You’ll also need

• Manufacturing Experience: You must have a background in a manufacturing environment, demonstrating a high school diploma and a foundational understanding of production settings.

• Operational Proficiency: You need the ability to operate specialized equipment and machinery, including tasks like discharging, loading, transporting, and cleaning materials. A driver’s license is required. Previous forklift experience is an asset.

• Maintenance and Technical Documentation: You are required to possess the skills to periodically inspect equipment, execute small maintenance tasks, and accurately log data into production systems.

• Safety and Regulatory Compliance: You must be able to strictly follow mandatory work instructions and comply with all safety, quality, and environmental regulations to maintain a safe work area.

• Accountability and Teamwork: You should demonstrate exceptional interpersonal skills and a commitment to "Own It" through personal accountability, urgency, and a focus on the success of the team.

What you’ll receive

As part of Nutreco, you’ll be a member of the SHV family, a diverse group of companies with global footprint. Join us and you’ll gain access to a wide network of expertise and global career paths. You’ll also benefit from the backing of one of the world’s largest privately owned businesses, known for its stability and long-term focus.

In addition, you’ll receive:

• Competitive health benefits – Medical/Dental/Vision/HSA/FSA

• Disability and Life insurance

• 401K Matching

• Paid Parental Leave and Tuition Reimbursement

• Paid Time Off

• Annual bonus

How and why to find out more

We can offer you a career with real meaning and purpose. Where you’ll feel proud of what you do every day and the part you play in Feeding the Future. So, if you’re interested in joining us, get ready to Own your development, your potential and your career. We aim to review all applications within five business days and will get back to you as soon as possible.

#Ownit

Additional Information

AI Screening Disclosure: Nutreco does not use artificial intelligence (AI) or automated decision‑making tools to screen, assess, or select candidates at any stage of the recruitment process. All applications are reviewed directly by our Talent Acquisition team and hiring managers.

Eligibility: Candidates applying to job openings must already be authorized to work independently in the country where the position is based. Employer sponsorship is not available for this role.

Background Check: Final candidates who are offered a position will be required to undergo a criminal background check and physical/drug testing (USA role only).

Employment Equity: We are committed to employment equity and encourage applications from qualified individuals, including women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and members of visible minorities.

Accessibility: Nutreco is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive recruitment experience. Accommodations are available upon request at any stage of the hiring process. If you require support, please let us know and we will work with you to meet your needs.

Pay Transparency Statement: Compensation for roles atNutrecovaries depending on a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, education, and level of experience. We believe in the importance of pay equity and consider the internal equity of our current team members as a part of any final offer.

#SPTNUS #trouwnutrition